Maniwa Nen-ryū (馬庭念流) is a traditional school (koryū) of Japanese martial arts founded in 1591 by Higuchi Matashichirō Sadatsugu (c. 16th century).
[citation needed] Maniwa Nen-ryū is significant in that it is one of the oldest surviving Japanese battlefield traditions today and is unusual in that throughout its history it has been promoted and preserved by the members of a particular village.
The style is characterized by its use of fukuro shinai, or mock bamboo swords, quilted gloves and headgear to engage in what it calls kiriwara jiai, which are competitions in which exponents can test their skills without suffering serious injury.
This training device was further developed by Nakanishi Chuto of the Nakanishi-ha Ittō-ryū and later became an important element in the establishing of the modern sport of kendo.
However the Maniwa Nen-ryū system is said to be deceptively subtle in its technique and has proved its effectiveness in both battlefield and duels throughout its long history.